Gibbons Law Firm: 8 Safety Reminders for Black Friday

How do you plan to celebrate Thanksgiving? If you're like most Americans, you probably have a big family dinner planned for Thursday, followed by an exciting night, morning, and/or day where you take advantage of the unbeatable sales offered by retailers all across the country.

Black Friday is without a doubt the biggest shopping event of the year. Retailers make a grand event of slashing prices, and shoppers often stand in line for hours to ensure they get first pick of the stores' best deals. Going shopping on Black Friday can be a great way to get ahead on your Christmas shopping and save money at the same time, but unfortunately, it can also be rather dangerous. Our Lake of the Ozarks personal injury attorney is here to help you stay safe by dedicating this week's blog to some quick reminders for anyone participating in Black Friday shopping. If you are planning on going shopping this Friday, take a moment to familiarize yourself with these simple but important safety tips.

Black Friday Safety Reminders

1. Drive Slowly
Don't let the rush for a good deal cause you to drive recklessly on the street or in parking lots. There will likely be multiple cars out and about - be sure to travel slowly enough that you have time to react to the other drivers on the road.

2. Don't Drink & Drive
You should never drink and drive no matter what day of the year it is, but it is especially critical on Black Friday. You will likely encounter a great deal of traffic, and you may be driving late at night and/or very early in the morning. You will need to be able to be extremely attentive and focused when on the roads.

3. Secure Children Safely In Car Seats & Wear Your Seat Belt
Even if you are only driving across a large parking lot to get from one store to another, take the time to secure your children safely in their car seats and fasten your seat belt before putting your car in drive. Multiple accidents happen in parking lots every year on Black Friday.

4. Use The Buddy System
Try to avoid going Black Friday shopping alone. Stay safe by traveling with your family or a group of friends - or one other person at a minimum. Hopefully you will enjoy your night/day without incident, but it's wise to have someone watching your back just in case.

5. Keep Your Car Locked At All Times
Store parking lots will be packed with vehicles that have been filled with the items shoppers have purchased. For a petty thief, this vast display of unguarded vehicles may be a treasure trove that becomes too tempting to pass up. Protect your items by keeping your car locked at all times. Your high-dollar items may be safest in the trunk (rather than the backseat).

6. Make A Backup Plan With Your Kids
If you will be shopping with children, make a plan you can fall back on in case of emergencies. Designate a central meeting place at every store you visit so that you both know where to go if you get separated. Also, make sure your child has your cell phone number memorized and/or written on a piece of paper that they can keep in his pocket.

7. Be Courteous To Others
In their quest to secure the best deals, some shoppers become downright dangerous. They may rush to grab items as soon as they become available, paying little to no attention to the people around them. Remember, a good deal is never as important as the physical well-being of those around you. Don't let your impulses overpower common sense and courtesy.

8. If You Are Injured, Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Hopefully, you will enjoy a fun-filled shopping event without incident. If you do suffer an injury, don't hesitate to seek medical attention. Some physical injuries can become more severe if they are left unattended for too long.

If your injury is the result of another person's negligence, our personal injury attorney in Camden County MO may be able to help you secure financial compensation for your medical bills and associated pain and suffering. Contact us at (573) 348-2211 to schedule your free consultation.

Happy Thanksgiving from Gibbons Law Firm!